[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the association among zero-position external rotation muscle strength, shoulder horizontal abduction angle, and humeral head alignment. We hypothesized that individuals who cannot exert zero-position external rotation strength may adopt a horizontal abduction position and have difficulty maintaining a centripetal position for humeral head alignment. [Participants and Methods] Eighteen professional baseball players were included in the study. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure zero-position external rotation muscle strength. The isometric shoulder zero-position external rotation muscle strength was measured, and the weight ratio of the average value of the three trials was calculated. The shoulder horizontal abduction angle and anterior and posterior glenohumeral distances were measured using magnetic resonance imaging in the abduction external rotation position. The glenohumeral distance ratios were also calculated. We investigated the relationship between zero-position external rotation strength and shoulder horizontal abduction angle, anterior and, posterior glenohumeral distances, and glenohumeral distance ratios. [Results] Zero-position external rotation strength, shoulder horizontal abduction angle, and glenohumeral distance ratio were significantly negatively correlated. [Conclusion] Athletes who cannot exert zero-position external rotation strength may have a large horizontal shoulder abduction and glenohumeral distance ratio on magnetic resonance imaging.

[Purpose] To compare the characteristics of shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle tightness, and streamlined body position in female para swimmers with unilateral forearm deficiency (UFD) to those in swimmers with vision impairment (VI). [Participants and Methods] Female Japanese para swimmers with UFD (n=7) and VI (n=5) were included. Limb circumference, shoulder ROM, lower extremity muscle tightness, gross muscle strength, and streamlined body position were measured. [Results] The maximum upper arm circumference of the deficient arm and shoulder ROM for dominant and deficient flexion, deficient extension, and dominant and deficient external rotation were significantly lower in swimmers with UFD than in those with VI. [Conclusion] Female para swimmers with UFD are characterized by decreased ROM of the shoulder on the dominant and the deficient arms, quadriceps tightness, greater dominant grip strength, and compensated streamlined body position compared to swimmers with VI.

[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to evaluate marking errors made by candidates who took trial National Physical Therapy Examination and examine their association with the national examination results. [Participants and Methods] We analyzed transcripts and mark sheets of 76 students who took three trial examinations conducted by Company M in the Department of Physical Therapy at International University of Health and Welfare. After each trial, the students submitted their marked answers using Google Forms. The total trial examination scores, the number of marking errors, and the number of incorrect answers were analyzed. Students were categorized into two groups: those who made no marking error in all three trials and those who made one or more marking errors. The total, practical question, and general question scores of the national examination were compared between the two groups. [Results] Some students made marking errors during the trial examinations, with the number of errors increasing over the three successive trial examinations. Furthermore, in the national examination, students who made no marking error in the trials scored significantly higher on practical questions than those who made errors. [Conclusion] The study findings highlight the importance of providing guidance to prevent marking errors during the national examination.

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the motor skills of typically developing children with different movement experiences, specifically classical ballet and gymnastics. [Participants and Methods] The participants included 52 typically developing children aged 4–6 years (25 boys and 27 girls) from Kindergarten. The boys engaged in weekly gymnastics and girls engaged in weekly classical ballet under the guidance of specialized instructors. Motor skills were assessed using the 25-m run, tennis ball throw, double-leg continuous jump, and standing long jump tests incorporated in the motor skills test. Balance ability was evaluated using static standing tests with eyes open and closed on a firm floor and foam rubber pad, each for 30 s. The total locus length and circumferential area were calculated. [Results] The boys demonstrated significantly greater throwing distance in tennis ball throws and superior performance in the standing long jump than girls. In the balance test, girls exhibited greater stability than boys in the static standing with eyes open on firm as well as foam rubber pad conditions, as measured by the total locus length. In addition, girls in the following test conditions had smaller circumferential areas than boys: static standing with eyes open and closed on a firm floor and static standing with eyes closed on a foam rubber pad. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that early childhood motor skills vary according to the type of movement experienced.

[Purpose] The measurement of muscle mass and thickness to improve preventive care for older adults in community and clinical settings has recently gained attention. Several studies have focused on the thickness of large muscles, such as the trunk and lower limb muscles. However, studies investigating hand muscle atrophy, which hampers daily occupations, are lacking. Therefore, there is a need to measure intrinsic muscle atrophy. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of interdigital muscle thickness measurements using a caliper gauge. [Participants and Methods] This study included 41 healthy young participants. The interdigital muscle thickness was measured in two limb positions with muscle relaxation and contraction using a caliper gauge. Reliability and validity were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and between the interdigital muscle thickness results and other relevant scales. [Results] The results showed high inter- and intra-rater reliability. Additionally, a significant moderate correlation was observed between the interdigital muscle thickness and the other tests regarding criterion-related validity. [Conclusion] Measuring the interdigital muscle thickness using a caliper gauge is a reliable way to evaluate intrinsic muscle thickness. Muscle atrophy between the thumb and index finger is commonly observed in clinical practice. Therefore, measuring muscle atrophy during interdigital muscle thickness or observing finger muscle atrophy may provide useful information in rehabilitation settings.

[Purpose] To identify kinematic indices by performing acceleration/deceleration adjustment tasks and clarify the mechanism of walking speed adjustment. [Participants and Methods] Healthy adults with no history of orthopedic or central nervous system disease that could interfere with walking were included. Kinematic data with changes in walking speed were analyzed using a three-axis accelerometer, foot switches, and OptoJump Next. Two adjustment task experiments were conducted at different speeds: acceleration (Experiment 1) and deceleration (Experiment 2). The walking task constituted two conditions: walking at a comfortable speed and then shifting to the minimum speed as quickly as possible on a cue (minimum condition), and walking at a comfortable speed and then shifting to the intermediate speed as quickly as possible on a cue (intermediate condition). [Results] In Experiment 1, the step time and center-of-gravity acceleration in the front-back and left-right directions increased under the maximum condition for a longer period of time. In Experiment 2, the step length decreased earlier under the minimum condition; however, step time increased under the intermediate condition. [Conclusion] Kinematic control differs with adjustment to various target speeds. This study suggests that walking at a gait speed appropriate for a specific movement and environment can be improved through rehabilitation.

[Purpose] We examined the relationships between learning motivation, study time, and regular test scores of first-year, first-semester students. [Participants and Methods] This study included 78 first-year students undergoing physiotherapy training at a four-year college. Research participants were given an online questionnaire after being informed that information was sought on their current learning motivation and study time. We used the students’ grade point average (GPA) calculated from their first semester’s specialized basic courses as a surrogate for their regular test scores. [Results] Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between all subscales of learning motivation. Introjected and Intrinsic Regulations were identified as subscales of learning motivation that impact students’ study time and regular test scores, respectively. [Conclusion] Teachers need to be aware of relationships that can enhance students’ learning motivation.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of telerehabilitation on physical function and activities of daily living in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through a literature review. [Participants and Methods] We conducted a scoping review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched. Study design, type of interventions, telerehabilitation methods, adherence, effectiveness, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were extracted from the selected literature. [Results] Four case-series and one case-control study were identified. The interventions included respiratory muscle training (two studies), aerobic exercise, stretching, and comprehensive physical therapy (one study each). Various modalities were used, including videoconferencing, on-demand instructional videos, and real-time monitoring of vital signs using wearable devices. No serious adverse events were reported in any study. The dropout rate was 0–21%, and the compliance rate was 90%, indicating high adherence. Improvements in respiratory function and ADL were observed following respiratory rehabilitation. Patient satisfaction with telerehabilitation was high. [Conclusion] Telerehabilitation may improve adherence, respiratory function, and activities of daily living in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, its effects on other aspects of physical function remain unclear. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish evidence-based practices.

[Purpose] This case study explored the potential of Spontaneous Movement Therapy (SMT)—an active-modified form of Vojta therapy—in improving spinal alignment parameters in a young adult with a history of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). [Participant and Methods] A 21-year-old female with a prior diagnosis of AIS was assessed using full-spine radiographs, which revealed thoracic dextroscoliosis (35.6°) and lumbar levoscoliosis (28.8°). She reported no spinal pain or leg length discrepancy. The patient subsequently underwent an 8-week SMT intervention targeting both coronal and sagittal spinal alignment. [Results] Following the SMT intervention, the thoracic Cobb angle decreased by 4.6° (from 35.6° to 31°), and the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) decreased by 4.0° in the thoracic spine and 3.33° in the lumbar spine. The lumbar Cobb angle remained largely unchanged (28.8° to 29.1°). Although the Cobb angle and ATR were reduced, these changes did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). [Conclusion] Although this case report presents promising preliminary observations, the reductions in spinal curvature parameters did not exceed the MCID, suggesting the need for cautious interpretation. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are warranted to validate the clinical effectiveness of SMT in AIS management.